Travel Guide: From Florida to The Bahamas By Boat

June 10, 2021 In Travel

With summer season approaching, wanderlust takes the imagination far and wide. We have travel on the brain and more time to explore. There’s no shortage of vacation ideas and dream destinations to consider. Case in point: The Bahamas.

With over 700 awe-inspiring islands ranging between 50 and 200 miles from the eastern Florida coast, The Bahamas brings an entirely new meaning to tropical getaway. This gorgeous archipelago is filled with pristine islands, rich culture and unforgettable experiences. Perhaps the best part is proximity; you can take a day trip there from Florida or enjoy a longer getaway.

From offering advice on how to travel to The Bahamas to helping make sure you’re safe and insured the whole way there, our travel guide below will help make sure you’re ready to traverse the Gulf Stream.

8 tips for planning your boat trip to the Bahamas

  1. Find the right boat – Many experienced boaters recommend choosing a 2-engine vessel that’s over 30 feet long for the journey. Truly, choosing a boat for a Bahamas trip depends on the number of passengers aboard and the level of comfort they wish to experience. Whether they are traveling in a small or larger group, experienced anglers will typically select either center console or offshore sportfishing boats. This is due to the sheer speed of these vessels and their nimble ability to navigate waters that can be unpredictable.

    Is travel time a concern? The length of time it will take to reach your Bahamian destination depends on the weather, the size of the boat and its maximum speed. With a yacht or offshore sportfishing boat, it could take upwards of 2.5 hours to travel to Bimini from Miami, for example.

  1. Pack the essentials – When planning a Bahamian boat trip, consider that anything could happen. Be sure to bring the following to ensure you’ll be fed, hydrated and protected from the sun when you arrive. Note: Don’t forget your valid passport (card or booklet).

    Essentials Include:

      • Sportfishing permit for Bahamian waters
      • A week’s supply of food & water
      • Cooler for non-perishables
      • Sunscreen, long-sleeve shirt & pants (for sun safety)
      • Seasickness medication
      • Fishing gear
      • Snorkeling gear
      • Diving gear
  1. Read up on essential navigation guides – Florida is a large state, and multiple ports of exit and entry exist both for leaving from and arriving to The Bahamas. When you make your departure from the eastern coast, you’re going to ride on open waters against the Gulf Stream. While it’s a relatively straight shot if you map out the journey beforehand, the path to your destination isn’t always a clear one.

    Additionally, your journey may not always be marked. To avoid getting lost and having to turn around or call for help, become familiar with important navigational guides like this one, which offers information about ports of entry, vacation recommendations and more.

  1. Have all the right paperwork on hand – Because The Bahamas is located amidst foreign waters, you will need the following:
      • Clearance Form:If you’re planning to visit The Bahamas and are not a resident, you will need to pass through Customs and Immigration at the designated port of entry. Your crew needs only one Bahamas Customs  Clearance Form. While your boat is being inspected, instruct passengers to remain on board.
      • Bahamas Immigration Card:Each passenger must fill out a Bahamas Immigration Inward Passenger Form and have it ready to show customs at the port of arrival. Be sure to discard this when you re-enter the United States.
      • Proof of citizenship:Whether you have a passport card, book or both, have them on hand and make sure they are not within six months of the expiration date. You could have issues getting to the Bahamas or back to the States if so. It’s always a a great idea to keep a photo of your birth certificate on board just in case.
      • Fishing license:All visitors entering The Bahamas with the intent to fish from a vessel that is not Bahamian-owned need to carry a Sportfishing Permit. It is illegal to fish without one.
  1. Make sure you have the correct anchor(s) – If your vessel breaks down or you experience any difficulties while on the water, having the right anchor(s) to launch is pivotal while you repair the damage or wait for help to arrive. Always make sure to anchor in the best possible place. This will depend on the size of the boat, wind speed and current location.
  1. Stay connected throughout your journey – As you may know, there is a lack of cell service out on the water. This means that you need to equip your boat with state-of-the-art electronics. Losing connection with cell towers in the event of inclement weather or another unforeseen emergency can put you and your crew in danger.

    Be sure your boat has an external antenna and a cell signal amplifier, and troubleshoot this valuable technology before you set sail. You should also consider buying an EPIRB for your safety and the safety of your passengers.

  1. Update your insurance plan – Water is the most unpredictable force on the planet. Be sure your investment is protected with comprehensive boating insurance, but don’t stop there.

    Florida doesn’t require boat owners to carry insurance, which leaves a lot of room for uninsured boater claims in the event of accident or emergency. If someone is injured onboard or otherwise, you can be found liable.

    More importantly, because your final destination will be in foreign waters, it’s recommended that you elect a comprehensive insurance plan that covers any incidences that may occur on the water.

  1. Get in touch with the marine insurance advisors – With a comprehensive coverage plan from W3 in place, you and your guests will be free to enjoy the serene waters of The Bahamas. Coverage designed to keep you protected in the event of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance offers peace of mind.

Whether you are traveling by boat or yacht, be sure to check out our policies, decide if you need personal coverage, and plan the trip accordingly. Contact our marine insurance advisors today to request a quote that meets your boating needs – and bon voyage to The Bahamas!





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w3marine

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